Nationals no longer allowing backpacks at Nats Park

The Washington Nationals announced a new backpack policy for the 2019 season on Friday: no more backpacks.

The lone exception is for diaper bags and other bags used for ADA/medical reasons that are backpacks, they say. In these instances, non-season ticket holders may request exceptions at the family/ADA lanes, which can be found at the center field gate (closest to the main box office) and the home plate gate. Season ticket holders can request these exceptions at all season ticket holder gates.

The revised policy is a matter of enhanced ballpark safety.

"The safety of our fans, staff and players at Nationals Park is always a top priority. We are constantly assessing our procedures in an effort to make our ballpark safer," said Scott Fear, Washington Nationals Vice President of Public Safety and Security.

"We understand the implementation of these procedures will take some time for our fans to get used to, but our organization is dedicated to making Nationals Park the safest environment possible for everyone in attendance."

The Nationals will still permit purses, briefcases, drawstring bags, diaper bags and soft-sided coolers that do not exceed 16-by-16-by-8 inches.

Backpacks bought during games or events at Nationals Park will be tagged and permitted only for the day of purchase.

The new policy goes into effect starting with Washington's exhibition game against the Yankees on Monday, March 25.